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Solve Low Water Pressure Problems in the ShowerBy admin on March 9, 2017 /

Low water pressure makes for a pretty unsatisfying shower. If your water pressure is low and it hasn’t always been that way, it’s a sign that something may not be performing properly. Solve your water pressure problems by looking to these areas, where the problem may be occurring.

Low Water Pressure: Showerhead issues

The source of shower water pressure issues is often the showerhead. Mineral deposits, especially in homes with hard water, can build up within the showerhead, restricting the flow of water. Every year or so, you should clean your showerhead to remove mineral buildup that can cause water pressure problems — here’s how:

Fill a plastic bag with white vinegar and slip it over your showerhead, securing it with a rubber band. You could also remove the showerhead if you prefer.

Allow the showerhead to soak in the vinegar for at least one hour.

Remove the bag and run the shower to flush the showerhead. If you’ve removed the showerhead, rinse it with water and reattach.

If you still notice some mineral deposits, you can use an old toothbrush to loosen and remove them.

Low Water Pressure: Pipe problems

If you still experience low water pressure after cleaning your showerhead, your pipes may be the problem. Older galvanized pipes can corrode over time, leading to leaks. Water escaping the piping through leaks will diminish your water pressure, as well as cause other damage to your home. Search for other signs of leaks so you can identify the location of the problem and have it fixed quickly.
Also, minerals within the piping, such as zinc, can corrode or rust with age and build up within your pipes. This mineral buildup will slow the flow of water, resulting in poor pressure. Galvanized plumbing pipes have a service life of about 30 to 40 years — if you’re nearing this point and are experiencing poor water pressure, it’s time to repipe your home with new, durable piping, such as copper or PEX.